ritage Month, Cuban theater group Teatro de la Luna performed “Havana Delirium” by Afro-Cuban playwright Alberto Pedro on Oct. 18.
Teatro de la Luna performed in the Davis Center’s Grand Maple Ballroom to an audience of more than 200 Burlington residents and students, many of whom have studied Spanish with professor Catherine Connor here at UVM.
“I think that this highly successful visit and performance was especially significant because it brought together UVM students, faculty and staff as well as so many Cuban-focused individuals and groups from the community,” Connor said. “We were all there to celebrate together and to show our interest in and support for Cuban people, their arts and music — regardless of political differences between our reading.”
Those who had not read the play before were also able to take much from the experience.
“They were able to learn about the many varied viewpoints on the socio-political and economic issues as well as the profoundly personal and cultural ones,” Connor said.
Spectators also seemed to enjoy the music, which was a vital part of the performance. Several in the crowd were swaying along and mouthing the words to the more famous numbers.
Aside from being a form of entertainment for the UVM and Burlington communities, Connor said that the performance of “Havana Delirium” might have a lasting impact.
“All of the enthusiastic and supportive spectators encourage professors and students alike to re-examine the possibilities of having UVM education-based exchanges with Cuba restored,” she said.